Wallabies team: Les Kiss makes several changes for Argentina rematch as Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns and full-back hits milestone
Wallabies full-back Tom Wright (inset) and midfielder Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
Wallabies head coach Les Kiss has made several changes to his starting XV for their eagerly anticipated rematch with Argentina at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza on Saturday.
Kiss has made nine alterations, including a positional switch, to his run-on side which clinched a 27-21 triumph in the corresponding fixture in San Salvador de Jujuy last week.
The big news from Kiss‘ team announcement is that full-back Tom Wright will make his 50th appearance for Australia. Wright, who made his debut against New Zealand in 2020, will form a back three with Max Jorgensen and Filipo Daugunu, who starts on the wing for the first time since last year’s Test against Ireland in Dublin.
Amongst those who have been recalled to the starting line-up are Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Len Ikitau, who will reignite their midfield combination, having started together 16 times in the Wallabies’ last 25 Tests.
Western Force star Ben Donaldson will start at flyhalf in his first appearance in the Wallabies’ number 10 jersey since 2024, partnering scrum-half Ryan Lonergan who will continue his streak of starting every Test for his country so far this season.
Harry Wilson returns as captain
Meanwhile, Harry Wilson returns to captain the team from the number eight position. He takes over from two-time John Eales Medallist Rob Valetini, who shifts to the blindside flank, and they will form a familiar back-row alongside last weekend’s man of the match Fraser McReight.
Experienced props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou are also back in the run-on side, linking with Billy Pollard in the starting front-row, while Jeremy Williams and Josh Canham will continue to build on their partnership as the two locks.
Hooker Josh Nasser and props Aidan Ross and Massimo De Lutiis will make it an all-Queensland Reds replacement front-row on the bench.
Their club team-mate Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will feature in his second Test of 2026 as the back-up lock, while Charlie Cale will again provide back-row cover at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.
Elsewhere, 24-year-old Kalani Thomas has been picked for his second Test as the replacement scrum-half, with Carter Gordon and Isaac Henry rounding out the matchday 23 as the backline replacements.
Kiss expects another tough challenge from Los Pumas.
“After a physical Test last week, we’ve brought in some fresh bodies alongside some existing combinations as we continue to look to build Test experience across the group,” he said.
“We’re expecting a strong response from Argentina on Saturday, and we know we will need to keep stepping up our game in all areas.”
Wallabies team to face Argentina in Mendoza
Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Angus Bell
Replacements: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 20 Charlie Cale, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 Isaac Henry
Date: Saturday, September 5
Venue: Estadio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza
Kick-off: 18:00 (local, Argentina), 22:00 (UK and Ireland), 23:00 (South Africa), 07:00 (Sunday, AEST), 09:00 (Sunday, New Zealand), 05:00 (Sunday, Japan)
Referee: James Doleman (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)
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